"I’ve never heard of it." — Chris Sabo (January 17, 2014)

NLDS Game 4: 21st Century Breakdown

Right or wrong, I’m resigned to the fact that this team is going to lose Game 5. I hope I’m wrong, but the pressure is 100% on the Reds’ shoulders on Thursday. Nobody gave the Giants a fighting chance of winning this series after being down 2-0, so what do they have to lose tomorrow? Absolutely nothing. What do the Reds have to lose tomorrow? Oh, just everything.

This team had a chance to end the series on Tuesday and repeatedly came up empty. Today, they had a chance knock out Barry Zito even sooner than the 2.2 innings he lasted, but they didn’t. Yes, Mike Leake was terrible (I told you), but the offense was even worse. Just like they were on Tuesday.

The Giants’ AT&T Park is supposed to be a pitchers park, yet the Reds were hitting balls all over the place in the first two games there. Then the series shifts to Great American Ball Park–widely considered the most hitter-friendly park in all of baseball–and the Reds can’t buy a hit. Well, they can’t buy a hit when somebody is on base.

Ten. That’s how many runners the Reds left on base today.

Mike Leake was left off the playoff roster for a reason, but it’s not his fault he had to pitch today. It’s nobody’s fault but the offense’s. Playing a Game 4 was a terrible situation that the Reds wanted to avoid. Do you pitch Mat Latos on short rest? Then what happens if the Reds lose Game 4–pitch Mike Leake in Game 5? Are you kidding? I’m not even sure Arroyo would’ve been a viable option for Game 5. Forget the short rest, I’m concerned about how many home runs at short-rest Arroyo would give up at GABP. Mike Leake pitching Game 4 was the only solution. And it didn’t work.

Forget what would’ve or could’ve happened if Johnny Cueto’s was healthy. The Reds should’ve never been in a Game 4 situation, let alone a Game 5.

Tomorrow, the Reds have a chance to be the first National League team to lose a division series after being up 2-0. So, there’s that.

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I hate to be one of the lollipop and rainbow guys, but I honestly believe the Reds are going to bounce back tomorrow. I know the last two days haven’t done much for our confidence, but I’m predicting a 5-2 Reds victory tomorrow. Besides I’m not quite sure when Cougar Town is coming to TBS. I want to say January?

You are right, they had no choice but to roll Leake today. And yes, the bats were silent with runners on base. But, this has been a power team all year and GASP won’t hold them in forever.

Top to bottom, SF is the best pitching team they are going to see. In fact, I think it’s the best total team they will see. Anything thing can happen in a ‘short’ series – but I do not see them losing 3 straight at home.

They get past this, can you see anyone winning 4 of 7 against this team, Cueto or not.

I think it was a terrible (and avoidable) decision to start Leake. Latos couldn’t start? Says who? Latos? I’m not hearing too much from him on the matter. Even if he would’ve pitched the equivalent of what Leake pitched and lost, Cueto still could have been on the roster. That’s why everyone is nervous — because he’s barred from pitching in the NCLS (if they get that far).

I love this team and although I’m cautiously optimistic about tomorrow, I think it was a terrible mistake (in the short and long terms) to start Leake.

That said, keep up the good work on this blog and let’s all cross our fingers for tomorrow.